London City Airport awarded by Airports Council International for reducing its carbon footprint

26/04/2016

The Airports Council International (ACI) has awarded London City with its Stage 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation

The improvement means that the airport is on course for a 20% reduction in emissions by 2020, and is one stage away from carbon neutral status

Only 4 other UK airports have achieved this environmental award, which recognises reduction and management of ground-based carbon emissions

London City Airport has been formally recognised by the Airports Council International (ACI) for the steps it is taking to manage its carbon footprint and reduce emissions.

The airport is now among a handful of UK airports to achieve stage 3 ‘optimisation’ status as part of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, following independent assessment and verification.

It means that London City Airport is just one step away from becoming ‘carbon neutral’ – the final and fourth stage of ACA; the only industry-endorsed, carbon management certification for airports.

To reach this point the airport has invested in a number of carbon reduction schemes– including £500,000 on the installation of 1,300 energy efficient light fixings, the removal of 258 non-essential fixings, and more energy efficient boilers and air handling units.

As part of the award, the airport has also been praised for its on-going engagement with third parties – from pilots to passengers – providing advice on how to reduce their emissions footprint when using the airport.

Initial improvements in 2014 led to a 9% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions from ground-based operations, and the current momentum is expected to result in a 20% reduction in carbon emissions per person by 2020, when compared to 2013 levels.

James Shearman, London City Airport’s Environment Manager, said:

"City Airport is a complex organisation which welcomes millions of passengers and handles thousands of flights each year, and we are always striving to manage the impact of our operations. To achieve this award demonstrates the tangible steps and successful energy saving measures that the airport is taking locally to reduce our carbon footprint."

Last month, the airport also took part in WWF’s Earth Hour campaign – switching off all non-essential lighting to highlight its commitment in tackling climate change.

Editors note

More details on the airport's sustainability and annual performance reports can be found here: Environment